Regional crackdown begins as Trading Standards says 'NO' to rogue traders

`Just Say No’ is the message from Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards to residents faced with aggressive doorstep callers and rogue traders.

The message was issued as Derbyshire’s trading standards officers joined forces with other East Midlands trading standards teams to work together on Operation Rogue Trader, an initiative co-ordinated by Trading Standards East Midlands.

The aim of Operation Rogue Trader, which was held last week, was to target rogue traders and aggressive doorstep sellers and to raise awareness about doorstep crimes including distraction burglaries. 

Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards officers used the Operation Rogue Trader week to raise awareness among some of the county’s most vulnerable residents who are more likely to be targeted by rogue traders and doorstep cold-callers and also more likely to fall victim to them.

As well as handing out information leaflets, trading standards officers were keen to promote the council’s Trusted Trader scheme, where people can search for reputable traders to carry out jobs for them, rather than being tempted by cold callers on the doorstep.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: “Rogue traders tend to be involved in a number of illegal activities, and by joining forces, agencies including our trading standards officers can disrupt criminal activity by stopping it literally at the doorstep.

“We’re working hard to protect Derbyshire residents and are keen to raise awareness around doorstep callers, and we urge people to just say `no’ and refuse to engage with them. Don’t open the door, don’t let them in and don’t give them any personal details.

“If people want jobs doing on their home or a service provided they should ask relatives or friends for recommendations or use our Trusted Trader scheme and search for a reputable trader in their area.” 

For more details about the county council’s scheme go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/trustedtrader

Residents who would like a county council trading standards door sticker which tells doorstep sellers not to call at the house can pick one up from their local library. 

People who suspect someone of being a rogue trader, or are being targeted by uninvited doorstep sellers should contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 11 33, or if the matter is more urgent they should contact the police by phoning 101.